Assemblies; components and filter features thereof; and, methods of use and assembly

ABSTRACT

An air cleaner assembly is disclosed, along with related methods. In one aspect, the air cleaner assembly has a housing including a housing body and a removable cover that together define an interior volume for holding a filter cartridge. The housing can include a first part of a first connection arrangement. The air filter cartridge can include a second part of the first connection arrangement. In one aspect, the first and second parts can be secured together place the air filter cartridge in a latched position by moving the air filter cartridge in a first direction. In one aspect, the first and second parts can be disconnected from each other to place the air filter cartridge in an unlatched position by moving the air filter cartridge in the first direction. The air cleaner assembly can include a second connection arrangement securing the air filter cartridge to the housing cover such that the housing body and housing cover are secured together.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/690,753,filed Nov. 21, 2019. U.S. Ser. No. 16/690,753 includes, with edits, thedisclosures of U.S. Serial Nos. 62/770,474, filed Nov. 21, 2018 and62/932,556, filed Nov. 8, 2019. The complete disclosures of each of theabove-listed applications are incorporated herein by reference. A claimof priority to each of the above-referenced applications is made to theextent appropriate.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to filter assemblies, for example aircleaner assemblies, and components and features thereof, and methods ofassembly and use. The filter assemblies comprise a housing having aremovable and replaceable filter cartridge therein. The filter cartridgeis optionally configured with a housing seal arrangement, to advantage.Various features of filter housings and/or the cartridges are described,including features directed to a system for securing the filtercartridge within the housing and for securing the housing to a removablecover via the filter cartridge, which can provide for advantage. Methodsof assembly and use are described.

BACKGROUND

Air or other gas filtering is desirable in a number of systems. Atypical application is in the filtration of intake air to internalcombustion engines. Another is in the filtration of crankcaseventilation filter assemblies. Typically, such systems comprise filterassemblies having a serviceable filter cartridge therein. After a periodof use, filter media within a filter housing requires servicing, eitherthrough cleaning or complete replacement. Typically, for an air cleaneror crankcase ventilation filter assembly used with an internalcombustion engine, for example on a vehicle, the filter media iscontained in a removable and replaceable, i.e. serviceable, component,typically referred as a filter element or cartridge. The filtercartridge is configured to be removably sealed within the air cleaner,in use. Improvements in filter arrangements relating to assembly,serviceability, use are desirable.

SUMMARY

Filter assemblies (such as air cleaner assemblies or crankcaseventilation filter assemblies) components therefor; and, featuresthereof are described. Also described are methods of assembly and use.The filter assemblies generally comprise a housing assembly having afilter cartridge removably positioned therein. The housing assemblyincludes a main housing assembly and a removable cover which can beadvantageously secured together in an axial direction by the filtercartridge. The main housing assembly may include, among other elements,a housing body and an outlet tube. In an alternate arrangement, aseparate locking arrangement can be provided on the main housingassembly and removable cover to secure the removable cover to thehousing body.

In one aspect, the filter cartridge can be provided with a firstconnection arrangement that allows the filter cartridge to be secured toand released from the main housing assembly or to the removable cover byan axial force provided by an operator in a “push-push” action. Forexample, the filter cartridge can be pushed in the insertion directionto latch the filter cartridge to the main housing assembly or removablecover, and can also be pushed again in the insertion direction tode-latch the filter cartridge from the main housing assembly or cover.In the example shown, the first connection arrangement elements arelocated on a support tower of the filter cartridge and an outlet tube ofthe main housing assembly.

In one aspect, the filter cartridge can be secured to the main housingassembly or removable cover by a second connection arrangement locatedat the opposite end of the filter cartridge from the first connectionarrangement. The second connection arrangement can be configured as arotatable cap with a threaded member mounted to the removable cover thatengages with corresponding threads in the filter cartridge to place thefilter cartridge in tension against the force of the first connectionarrangement.

The disclosed configuration allows for an air cleaner assembly to beinstalled in a tight space, such as a vehicle engine compartment,without requiring access to the circumferential portion of the aircleaner housing in order to install and/or remove the associated filtercartridge and without requiring rotation of the cover relative to thehousing body. Rather, the filter cartridge can be readily accessed atthe end of the air cleaner assembly by simply disengaging the secondconnection arrangement and removing the cover in a direction oppositethe filter cartridge insertion direction (i.e. axially). The filtercartridge can then be installed and/or removed from the main housingbody by using the above described push-push approach. Accordingly, thedisclosed air cleaner assembly has a smaller operational footprint incomparison to air cleaners using circumferentially arranged latches.

In one example, an air cleaner assembly includes a housing defining aninterior cavity, an air inlet, and an air outlet, the air inlet and airoutlet being in fluid communication with the interior cavity. The aircleaner assembly can further include an air filter cartridge disposedwithin the interior cavity, the air filter cartridge extending along alongitudinal axis and including an air filtration media separating theair inlet from the air outlet. The air cleaner assembly can furtherinclude a first connection arrangement having a first part associatedwith one of the air filter cartridge and the housing and having a secondpart associated with the other of the air filter cartridge and thehousing. In some examples, the air filter cartridge is movable between alatched position and an unlatched position: in the latched position, thefirst part being engaged with the second part; in the unlatchedposition, the first part being disengaged with the second part. In someexamples, the air filter cartridge is movable from the latched positionto the unlatched position and from the unlatched position to the latchedposition by moving the air filter cartridge in a first directionparallel to the longitudinal axis.

In some examples, one of the first and second parts is located within anairflow path defined between the air outlet and the air filtrationmedia.

In some examples, the air cleaner assembly includes a second connectionarrangement securing the air filter cartridge to a cover of the housing,wherein the first and second connection arrangements secure the housingcover to a body of the housing via the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the second connection arrangement includes a handlerotatably secured to the housing cover, wherein rotation of the handlein a first direction secures the air filter cartridge to the housingcover and rotation of the handle in a second direction disconnects theair filter cartridge from the housing cover.

In some examples, the air cleaner assembly includes a biasing elementthat biases the filter cartridge in a second direction opposite thefirst direction.

In some examples, the biasing element is secured to the air filtercartridge.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge rotates as the air filtercartridge moves from the latched position to the unlatched position andmoves in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In some examples, one of the first and second parts includes adeflectable latch arm and the other of the first and second partsincludes a catch engaged with the deflectable latch arm.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm includes a plurality ofdeflectable latch arms.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm is integrally formed in asupport tube of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, one of the first and second parts includes a guidepin.

In some examples, the guide pin includes a plurality of guide pins.

In some examples, the guide pin is integrally formed in a support tubeof the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the first or second part includes a plurality of guidepins and a plurality of deflectable latch members.

In some examples, the catch is arranged on an outlet tube of thehousing.

In some examples, the outlet tube is rotatable with respect to a housingbody of the housing.

In some examples, the first or second part includes a channel structurefor receiving the guide pin.

In some examples, the biasing element is located proximate a closed endof the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the first or second part of the first connectionarrangement is located proximate an open end of the air filtercartridge.

In one example, an air cleaner assembly includes a housing defining aninterior cavity, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and outlet being influid communication with the interior cavity, the housing assemblyincluding a catch. The air cleaner assembly can include an air filtercartridge disposed within the interior cavity, the air filter cartridgeextending along a longitudinal axis and including an air filtrationmedia separating the housing inlet from the housing outlet, the airfilter cartridge including a deflectable latch arm. The air filtercartridge can be movable between a latched position and an unlatchedposition: in the latched position, the deflectable latch arm beingengaged with the catch; in the unlatched position, the deflectable latcharm being disengaged with the catch. The air filter cartridge can bemovable from the latched position to the unlatched position and from theunlatched position to the latched position by moving the air filtercartridge in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In some examples, at least a portion of the deflectable latch arm islocated within an airflow path defined between the air outlet and theair filtration media.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge rotates as the air filtercartridge moves from the latched position to the unlatched position andmoves in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm includes a plurality ofdeflectable latch arms.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm is integrally formed in asupport tube of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge further includes a guide pininteracting with a channel structure of the housing.

In some examples, the guide pin includes a plurality of guide pins.

In some examples, the guide pin is integrally formed in a support tubeof the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a plurality of guidepins and a plurality of deflectable latch members.

In some examples, the catch is arranged on an outlet tube of thehousing.

In some examples, the outlet tube is rotatable with respect to a housingbody of the housing.

In some examples, the latch arm is located proximate an open end of theair filter cartridge.

In one example, an air cleaner assembly includes a housing including ahousing body and a housing cover, the housing body and cover defining aninterior volume and an air filter cartridge disposed within the housing.The air cleaner assembly can include a first connection arrangementsecuring the air filter cartridge to the housing body and a secondconnection arrangement securing the air filter cartridge to the housingcover such that the housing body and housing cover are secured together,the second connection arrangement including a handle rotatably securedto the housing cover, wherein rotation of the handle in a firstdirection secures the air filter cartridge to the housing cover androtation of the handle in a second direction disconnects the air filtercartridge from the housing cover.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a first end cap witha first part of the second connection arrangement that engages with asecond part of the second connection arrangement associated with thehandle.

In some examples, the first part of the second connection arrangementincludes internal threads and the second part of the second threadedarrangement includes external threads.

In some examples, the first end cap is a closed end cap.

In some examples, the first part of the second connection arrangement isintegrally molded with the end cap.

In some examples, the handle includes a torque-limiting mechanism.

In one example, an air filter cartridge includes an air filtration mediaarrangement extending between a first end and a second end, a first endcap proximate the first end of the air filtration media arrangement, asecond end cap proximate the second end of the media arrangement, and adeflectable latch arm for engaging with a catch associated with ahousing of an air cleaner assembly.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm includes a plurality ofdeflectable latch arms.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm is integrally formed in asupport tube of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm is located proximate thefirst end cap of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge further includes a guide pinfor aligning the deflectable latch arm with the catch.

In some examples, the guide pin includes a plurality of guide pins.

In some examples, the guide pin is integrally formed in a support tubeof the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a plurality of guidepins and a plurality of deflectable latch members.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a biasing spring forbiasing the air filter cartridge in a first direction opposite aninsertion direction of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the biasing spring is located proximate a second endcap of the air filter cartridge.

In one example, an air filter cartridge includes an air filtration mediaarrangement extending between a first end and a second end, a first endcap proximate the first end of the air filtration media arrangement, asecond end cap proximate the second end of the air filtration mediaarrangement, a first part of a connection arrangement for engaging witha second part of the connection arrangement associated with a housing ofan air cleaner assembly, and a biasing element for biasing the firstpart against the second part for securing the air filter cartridge tothe housing.

In some examples, the biasing element is located proximate a second endcap of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the biasing element is a helical spring.

In some examples, the first part of the connection arrangement islocated proximate the first end cap and the biasing element is locatedproximate the second end cap.

In some examples, the first end cap is an open end cap and the secondend cap is an open end cap.

In some examples, the first part is a deflectable latch arm.

In some examples, the first part is a plurality of deflectable latcharms.

In some examples, the first part is integrally formed with a supporttube of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the first part is located within a clean airflow pathdefined between the first end cap and the air filtration media.

In one example, an air filter cartridge includes an air filtration mediaarrangement extending between a first end and a second end, a first endcap proximate the first end of the air filtration media arrangement, asecond end cap proximate the second end of the air filtration mediaarrangement, and a first part of a first connection arrangement forengaging with a second part of the first connection arrangementassociated with a housing of an air cleaner assembly, wherein the firstpart is at least partially located within a clean airflow path definedbetween the first end cap and the air filtration media.

In some examples, the first part is located within an interior volumedefined by at least one of the air filtration media arrangement or asupport tube that supports the air filtration media arrangement.

In some examples, the first part is a deflectable latch arm.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm includes a plurality ofdeflectable latch arms.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm is integrally formed in asupport tube of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm is located proximate thefirst end cap of the air filter cartridge, wherein the first end cap isan open end cap.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge further includes a guide pinfor aligning the deflectable latch arm with the catch.

In some examples, the guide pin includes a plurality of guide pins.

In some examples, the guide pin is integrally formed in a support tubeof the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a plurality of guidepins and a plurality of deflectable latch members.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a biasing spring forbiasing the air filter cartridge in a first direction opposite aninsertion direction of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a first part of asecond connection arrangement for engaging with a second part of thesecond connection arrangement associated with a cover of an air cleanerassembly.

In some examples, the first part of the second connection arrangementincludes internal threads.

In some examples, the first part of the first connection arrangementincludes one or more deflectable latch members and the first part of thesecond connection arrangement includes internal threads.

In some examples, the plurality of deflectable latch arms are arrangedon a curved surface.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge further includes an outershell extending between a pair of end covers defining an interiorvolume, wherein the air filtration media arrangement is disposed withinthe interior volume, wherein one or both of the pair of end coversdefines one or more apertures for receiving unfiltered ambient air. Insome examples, the air filter cartridge is exposed to the outdoorswithout the use of an outer shell and end covers having apertures. Insuch examples, an expanded metal liner may be provided at the exteriorperimeter of the filter cartridge.

An air cleaner assembly can include an outlet tube, an air filtercartridge extending along a longitudinal axis and including an airfiltration media separating the air inlet from the air outlet, and afirst connection arrangement having a first part associated with one ofthe air filter cartridge and the outlet tube and having a second partassociated with the other of the air filter cartridge and the outlettube. In one aspect, the air filter cartridge is movable between alatched position and an unlatched position wherein, in the latchedposition, the first part being engaged with the second part and, in theunlatched position, the first part being disengaged with the secondpart. The air filter cartridge is movable from the latched position tothe unlatched position and from the unlatched position to the latchedposition by moving the air filter cartridge in a first directionparallel to the longitudinal axis.

In some examples, the air filter cartridge includes a pair of end coversand an outer shell defining an interior volume within which the airfiltration media is disposed. In some examples, one or both of the pairof end covers define one or more apertures for allowing unfilteredambient air to enter the interior volume. In some examples, the airfilter cartridge is exposed to the outdoors without the use of an outershell and end covers having apertures. In such examples, an expandedmetal liner may be provided at the exterior perimeter of the filtercartridge.

In some examples, the air cleaner further includes a biasing elementthat biases the filter cartridge in a second direction opposite thefirst direction.

In some examples, the biasing element is secured to the air filtercartridge.

In some examples, the air cleaner further includes a safety filtercartridge disposed within an interior volume of the air filtercartridge, wherein the biasing element acts against the safety filtercartridge to provide a biasing force against the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the air cleaner further includes a tower disposedwithin an interior volume of the air filter cartridge, wherein thebiasing element acts against the tower to provide a biasing forceagainst the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, one of the first and second parts includes adeflectable latch arm and the other of the first and second partsincludes a catch engaged with the deflectable latch arm.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm includes a plurality ofdeflectable latch arms.

In some examples, the deflectable latch arm is integrally formed in asupport tube of the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, one of the first and second parts includes a guidepin.

In some examples, the guide pin includes a plurality of guide pins.

In some examples, the guide pin is integrally formed in a support tubeof the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the first or second part includes a plurality of guidepins and a plurality of deflectable latch members.

In some examples, the catch is arranged on an outlet tube of thehousing.

In some examples, the outlet tube is rotatable with respect to a housingbody of the housing.

In some examples, the first or second part includes a channel structurefor receiving the guide pin.

In some examples, the biasing element is located proximate a closed endof the air filter cartridge.

In some examples, the first or second part of the first connectionarrangement is located proximate an open end of the air filtercartridge.

There is no specific requirement that an air cleaner assembly, componenttherefor, or feature thereof include all of the detail characterizedherein, to obtain some advantage according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an air cleaner assembly havingfeatures in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the air cleaner assembly shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the air cleaner assembly shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic end view of the air cleaner assembly shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assemblyshown in FIG. 1, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged portion of the view of the air cleaner assemblyshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged portion of the view of the air cleaner assemblyshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a cover body of the aircleaner assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the cover body shown in FIG.8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic first end view of the cover body shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic second end view of the cover body shown in FIG.8.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cover body shown inFIG. 8, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective partial view of the cover body shownin FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a housing body of the aircleaner assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the housing body shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a schematic first end view of the housing body shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 17 is a schematic second end view of the housing body shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing body shown inFIG. 14, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of an outlet tube of the aircleaner assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the outlet tube shown in FIG.19.

FIG. 21 is a schematic end view of the outlet tube shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of the outlet tube shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet tube shown inFIG. 19, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a flat schematic view of a second part of a first connectionarrangement of the outlet tube shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a filter cartridge of the aircleaner assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of the filter cartridge shown inFIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter cartridgeshown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter cartridgeshown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a schematic side view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG.25.

FIG. 30 is a schematic end view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG.25.

FIG. 31 is a schematic end view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG.25.

FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter cartridgeshown in FIG. 30, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a schematic enlarged portion of the view of the filtercartridge shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 34 is a schematic enlarged portion of the view of the filtercartridge shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 35 is a schematic side view of a support tower of the filtercartridge shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support tower shownin FIG. 35, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a flat schematic view of a first part of a first connectionarrangement of the support tube shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 is a schematic perspective view of a filter cartridge of the aircleaner assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view of the filter cartridge shown inFIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter cartridgeshown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter cartridgeshown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is a schematic side view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG.38.

FIG. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter cartridgeshown in FIG. 38, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly of theair cleaner shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 45 is a schematic side view of the connector assembly shown in FIG.44.

FIG. 46 is a schematic end view of the connector assembly shown in FIG.44.

FIG. 47 is a schematic end view of the connector assembly shown in FIG.44.

FIG. 48 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assemblyshown in FIG. 44, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a schematic end view of a subassembly of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 50 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 51 is a schematic perspective view of an operator portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 52 is a schematic end view of the operator portion of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a schematic side view of the operator portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 51.

FIG. 54 is a schematic end view of the operator portion of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 51.

FIG. 55 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operator portion ofthe connector assembly shown in FIG. 51, taken along the line A-A inFIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a schematic perspective view of a cap portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 57 is a schematic end view of the cap portion of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a schematic side view of the cap portion of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 56.

FIG. 59 is a schematic end view of the cap portion of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 56.

FIG. 60 is a schematic perspective view of a sprocket portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 61 is a schematic end view of the sprocket portion of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is a schematic side view of the sprocket portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 63 is a schematic end view of the sprocket portion of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 64 is a schematic perspective view of a main body portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 65 is a schematic end view of the main body portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is a schematic side view of the main body portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 67 is a schematic end view of the main body portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 68 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main body portion ofthe connector assembly shown in FIG. 64, taken along the line A-A inFIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is a schematic perspective view of a connector portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 70 is a schematic end view of the connector portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 69.

FIG. 71 is a schematic side view of the connector portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 69.

FIG. 72 is a schematic end view of the connector portion of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 69.

FIG. 73 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement of theair cleaner assembly shown in FIG. 1 illustrating an insertion path ofthe filter cartridge.

FIG. 74 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement shown inFIG. 73 in an initial insertion position.

FIG. 75 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement shown inFIG. 73 in an intermediate insertion position.

FIG. 76 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement shown inFIG. 73 in a fully inserted position.

FIG. 77 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement of theair cleaner assembly shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a removal path of thefilter cartridge.

FIG. 78 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement shown inFIG. 77 in an initial removal position.

FIG. 79 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement shown inFIG. 77 in an intermediate removal position.

FIG. 80 is a schematic view of the first connection arrangement shown inFIG. 77 in a fully removed position.

FIG. 81 is a schematic perspective view of a second example of an aircleaner assembly having features in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 82 is a schematic perspective view of the air cleaner assemblyshown in FIG. 81.

FIG. 83 is a schematic side view of the air cleaner assembly shown inFIG. 81.

FIG. 84 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the air cleanerassembly shown in FIG. 81, with the air cleaner assembly shown asincluding an optional secondary or safety filter element.

FIG. 85 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the air cleanerassembly shown in FIG. 81, with the air cleaner assembly shown asincluding an optional internal tower.

FIG. 86 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the air cleanerassembly and optional secondary filter element shown in FIG. 84.

FIG. 87 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the air cleanerassembly and optional tower shown in FIG. 85.

FIG. 88 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the air cleanerassembly and optional tower shown in FIG. 87.

FIG. 89 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the filter cartridgeof the air cleaner assembly shown in FIG. 81.

FIG. 90 is a schematic perspective view of the air cleaner assemblyshown in FIG. 81, with an optional connection arrangement installed.

FIG. 91 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assemblyand connection arrangement shown in FIG. 90.

FIG. 92 is a schematic perspective view of a variation of a thirdexample of an air cleaner assembly having features in accordance withthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein, an example filter assemblies, features and components thereforare described and depicted. A variety of specific features andcomponents are characterized in detail. Many can be applied to provideadvantage. There is no specific requirement that the various individualfeatures and components be applied in an overall assembly with all ofthe features and characteristics described, however, in order to providefor some benefit in accord with the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, an air cleaner assembly 100 is shown. In oneaspect, the air cleaner assembly 100 includes a housing assembly 102including a housing body 104 and a removable cover 106. When the cover106 is attached to the housing body 104, the cover 106 and housing body104 define an interior volume 108. In some examples, a weather sealmember 116, for example an O-ring, can be provided between the housingbody 104 and cover 106 to protect the interior volume 108 from ingressof contaminants. The air cleaner assembly 100 is also shown as includinga filter cartridge 200 and a filter cartridge 300, both of which aredisposed within the interior volume 108 of the air cleaner assembly 100.In the disclosed configuration, filter cartridge 200 is arranged as aprimary filter cartridge 200 and filter cartridge 300 is arranged as asecondary filter cartridge 300 downstream of the primary filtercartridge 200. Other arrangements are possible. For example, a filtercartridge 200 could be provided without the use of a filter cartridge300. In one aspect of the disclosure, the filter cartridge 200 isconfigured to secure the housing body 104 to the cover 106.

With reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, it can be seen that the cover 106 isprovided with a sidewall 106 a and an adjoining end wall 106 b. Afurther sidewall 106 c is shown as extending from the end wall 106 bfrom which a plurality of circumferentially spaced latch members 106 dextend to define a central aperture 106 e. As is described later, thecentral aperture 106 e receives a connection arrangement 120 associatedwith a second connection arrangement 440. The latch members 106 d eachinclude a deflectable arm portion 106 f and an inwardly extending latchportion 106 g extending from the deflectable arm portion 106 f. Thelatch portions 106 g of the latch members 106 d engage with theconnection arrangement 120 to secure the connection arrangement 120 tothe cover while still allowing the connection arrangement 120 to berotatable with respect to the cover 106. The cover 106 is also shown asincluding indexing members 106 f such that the cover 106 can be indexedinto a desired position relative to the housing body 104 by engagementwith corresponding indexing features 104 h on the housing body 104. Inthe example shown, four pairs of ribs forming the indexing members 106 fare shown as being provided on the cover at every 90 degree location.More or fewer indexing members 106 f may be provided.

With reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, the housing body 104 is shown inisolation. As presented, the housing body 104 of the air cleaner 100 isfurther shown as having a sidewall 104 a and an adjoining end wall 104b. The end wall 104 b is provided with a groove or channel structure 104c and a plurality of circumferentially arranged latch members 104 d thatdefine a central opening 104 e. The latch members 104 d each have adeflectable arm 104 f and an inwardly extending latch portion 104 g forengaging with a flange 112 g of an outlet 112 of the air cleanerassembly 100. As mentioned previously, the housing body 104 is providedwith a plurality of circumferentially arranged indexing features 104 hon the sidewall 104 a at the end opposite the end wall 104 b. Theindexing features 104 h are provided such that the cover 106 can bepositioned with respect to the housing body 104 in rotational incrementsof 5 degrees or less. The housing body sidewall 104 a is also shown ashaving a groove or channel structure 104 i for receiving the seal member116. The housing body 104 is also provided with an interior sidewallmember 104 j that is inwardly spaced form the outer wall 104 a. Theinterior sidewall member 104 j functions to aid in the separation ofparticular matter entering through an air inlet 110 in the sidewall 104a that is ultimately delivered to a dust ejector port at an outlet 114.As is described later, the sidewall member 104 j also provides a sealingsurface for the filter cartridge 200. In the embodiment shown, the airoutlet 112 is integrally formed with the housing body 104, but may beseparately formed.

With reference to FIGS. 19 to 24 the air outlet 112 of the air cleanerassembly is shown in isolation. The air outlet 112 is connected to androtatable with respect to the housing body 104, as described previously.The outlet 112 could also be connected to the housing body 104 in afixed relationship or could be integrally formed with the housing body104. As presented, the outlet 112 is defined by a tubular sidewall 112 aextending from an inlet end 112 b to an outlet end 112 c. In theembodiment shown, the sidewall 112 a is provided with a 90 degree bendto form an elbow-shape. However, the sidewall 112 a may be provided witha generally straight profile or another profile. In one aspect, thesidewall 112 a presents an inwardly facing surface 112 g against which aseal member of the filter cartridge 300 can form a seal. Although theterms “inlet” and “outlet” are used in the present disclosure todescribe various features of the air cleaner and air filter cartridge,it should be understood that the airflow through the air cleaner and/orthe air filter cartridge could be reversed such that the referencedinlet could be outlets and the referenced outlets could be inletswithout departing from the concepts presented herein.

The outlet 112 is also provided with a flange 112 d extending from thesidewall 112 a. The flange 112 d is arranged and sized such that theflange 112 d covers the central opening 104 e defined in the end wall104 b of the housing body 104. As most easily seen at FIG. 7, the flange112 b also abuts a weather seal 107 disposed in the channel structure104 c of the housing body 104 such that a weather-tight seal is formedbetween the housing 104 and the outlet 112. The outlet 112 is furthershown as including an outer sidewall 112 e extending from the flange 112d in a direction towards the inlet end 112 b and generally parallel tothe sidewall 112 a. As mentioned previously, the sidewall 112 e includesa flange 112 g having a ramped profile that forms a snap-fit typeconnection with the latch members 104 d of the housing body 104 thatsecures the outlet 112 to the housing body 104 while allowing for theoutlet 112 to be rotatable with respect to the housing body 104. It isnoted that where a rotatable outlet is not desired, the outlet 112 canbe integrally formed with the housing body 104.

As discussed in a later section, the outlet 112 is provided with asecond portion 420 of a first connection arrangement 400 thatcooperatively operates with a first portion 410 of the first connectionarrangement 400 provided on the filter cartridge 200 to secure thefilter cartridge 200 to the outlet 112. As also is discussed in a latersection, the connector assembly 120 and filter cartridge 200 arerespectively provided with first and second portions 450, 460 of asecond connection arrangement 440 that cooperatively operate to securethe filter cartridge 200 to the cover 106. Once secured, the connectorassembly 120 places the filter cartridge 200 in tension against thefirst connection arrangement 400 to more securely retain the filtercartridge 200. This tensile force also operates to secure the cover 106to the housing body 104.

In operation, with the cover 106 attached to the housing body 104,unfiltered air flows into the air inlet 110 and passes through the media206 from the exterior side of the main filter cartridge 200 to theinterior side. The air then flows through the media 306 of the secondaryfilter cartridge 300 from the exterior side to the interior, where thefully filtered air then passes through the outlet 112 and to connectedequipment, such as the air intake system of an internal combustionengine. As mentioned previously, the cover 106 can be provided with adust ejection port 114 to discharge accumulated particulates from theinterior volume 108 of the housing assembly 102. Also, and as mentionedpreviously, the airflow through these components could be reversedwithout departing from the concepts presented herein.

Filter Cartridge 200

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 37, the filter cartridge 200 includes a firstend cap 202 and a second end cap 204, between which filter media 206extends. In one example, the end caps 202, 204 are formed from a moldedpolymeric material. A support tube 208, which may formed from a plasticor metal material, is provided at an interior side 206 a of the media206 to support the media 206.

As shown, filter media 206 is pleated media arranged into a tubular,cylindrical shape defining an interior 206 a and an exterior side 206 b.The selection of the media and media form is a matter of choice forefficiency and usage lifetime concerns. Other configurations for thefilter cartridge 200 are possible without departing from the conceptspresented herein. The filter media 206 can be either pleated ornon-pleated and can include synthetic or organic fibers, such ascellulosic fibers. The media 206 can be configured in a cylindricalpattern as shown, if desired, although alternatives are possible. Forexample, the media 206 can be somewhat conical in extension between theopposite ends. Also, the media 206 can be configured with non-circularinner and/or outer perimeters; for example oval or other cross-sectionalconfigurations are possible. Where the media 206 is pleated, the media206 can include corrugations extending generally perpendicularly to thepleat tips, to facilitate keeping the pleats open during use. Variouspleat tip folding techniques can be used to facilitate this, as arecommon in the art. Examples of this can be found in media packs with themark “PleatLoc” from Donaldson Company, Inc, of Minneapolis, Minn., theAssignee of the present disclosure. The media 206 may also include hotmelt media tip spacers or other media spacers, if desired. Exampleprimary filter cartridge media and end cap types and configurations withfeatures usable with the air filter cartridge 100 disclosed herein isfully shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,866, issued on Oct. 21,2014, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Filtermedia 206 may also be fluted media or z-type media.

As an alternative to pleated media, the media 206 can include flutedfilter media, such as a z-filter construction. The term “z-filterconstruction” as used herein, is meant to refer to a type of filterconstruction in which individual ones of corrugated, folded or otherwiseformed filter flutes are used to define sets of longitudinal, typicallyparallel, inlet and outlet filter flutes for fluid flow through themedia; the fluid flowing along the length of the flutes between oppositeinlet and outlet flow ends (or flow faces) of the media. Some examplesof filter media are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,820,646; 5,772,883;5,902,364; 5,792,247; 5,895,574; 6,210,469; 6,190,432; 6,350,296;6,179,890; 6,235,195; D399,944; D428,128; D396,098; D398,046; andD437,401, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the example shown, an end cover 210 is provided at the first end cap202 while an end cover 212 is provided at the second end cap 204. In oneexample, the end cover 210 is integrally formed with the support tube208. In one example, the end cover 210 is a separately formed componentfrom the support tube 208 and can be then secured to the end cap 202and/or the support tube 208. In one example, the end cap 202 is moldedonto the end cover 210 and support tube 208 such that the cured end capmaterial secures the end cover 210 to the support tube 208. The endcover 210 can be provided at the end cap 204 and secured to the supporttube 208, wherein the end cover 210 can be directly secured to thesupport tube 208 or can be secured to the support tube 208 via the endcap material being molded onto the end cover 210 and support tube 208.The end cover 210 could also be integrally formed with the support tube208 as well.

In one aspect, the end cover 210 includes a flange portion 210 bextending radially outward from the cylindrical sidewall 210 a of theend cover 210 and abutting a cylindrical sidewall 208 a of the supporttube 208. The cylindrical sidewall 208 a is shown as including radiallyraised segments 208 b, 208 c that create a gap 206 c between the innersurface 206 a of the filter media 206 and the sidewall 208 a. This gap206 c operates to provide clearance for the operation of the deflectablelatch arms 216 such that they can deflect radially outward without undueinterference or resistance from the filter media 206.

In one aspect, a seal member 214 is disposed about the flange portion210 b. The seal member 214 is shown as being a lip or wiper type sealhaving individual radially extending seal members 214 a that deflect orbend to form an outwardly directed radial seal against a surface of thehousing assembly 102. In the particular example shown, the seal member214 forms an outwardly directed radial seal against an interior orinwardly facing surface 112 g of a circumferential sidewall member 112 aof the outlet 112, as most easily seen at FIG. 7. Accordingly, it shouldbe appreciated that the outside diameter of the sidewall 210 a of theend cover 210 is smaller than the inside diameter of the sidewall member112 a of the outlet 112 and that the outside diameter of the seal member214 is greater than the inside diameter of the inner surface 112 h. Inone aspect, the seal member 214 can molded onto the sidewall 210 a, forexample by injection molding a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) materialonto the sidewall 210.

The end cap 202 is also shown as being provided with a radial sealmember 202 a. In the embodiment shown, the radial seal member 202 a isintegrally formed with the end cap 202 such that a singular component isformed. In the particular example shown, the seal member 202 a forms anoutwardly directed radial seal against an interior or inwardly facingsurface 104 c of the circumferential sidewall member 104 j of thehousing body 104, as most easily seen at FIG. 7. Accordingly, it shouldbe appreciated that the outside diameter of the seal member 202 a isgreater than the inside diameter of the inwardly facing surface 104 c ofthe sidewall member 104 j.

In one example, the seal member 202 is separately formed and is laterinstalled onto the flange portion 210 b, such as by elasticallydeforming (i.e. stretching) the seal member 202 onto the flange portion210 b. Once installed, a sidewall 202 b of the seal member 202cooperatively forms a liquid-tight dammed area 202 c with thecylindrical sidewall 208 a and the radial flange 210 b which can retaina fluid potting material 206 d until the potting material 206 d cures.As such, the filter cartridge 200 can be assembled by first installingthe seal member 202 onto the flange portion 210 b, filling the dammedarea 202 c with the potting material 206 d, and then installing thefilter media 206 over the support tube 208 until an end of the filtermedia 206 abuts the flange portion 210 b. Once the potting material 206d cures, the potting material 206 d effectively seals the end of thefilter media 206 and retains the filter media 206 onto the support tube208.

In one aspect, the filter cartridge 200 can be removably secured to thehousing body 104 via a first connection arrangement 400 in which a firstpart 410 of the first connection arrangement 400 is provided on thefilter cartridge 200 and a second part 420 of the first connectionarrangement 400 is provided on the housing assembly 102. In the exampleshown, the first part 410 is formed on the end cover 210 associated withthe support tube 208 of the filter cartridge 200 and the second part 420is provided on the outlet tube 112 of the housing assembly 102. Otherarrangements are possible. For example, the first connection arrangement400 can be provided on housing assembly 102 and the second part 420 ofthe first connection arrangement 400 can be provided on the filtercartridge 200.

As shown, the first part 410 of the first connection arrangement 400includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced latch members 216 and aplurality of circumferentially spaced guide pins 218. The latch members216 and the guide pins 218 can be integrally formed on the support tube208 and/or the end cover 210. The first connection arrangement 400further includes a biasing spring 220 mounted to the end cover 212.These features and the complete operation of the first connectionarrangement 400 are described in further detail in a following section.

In one aspect, the filter cartridge 200 can be removably secured to thecover via a second connection arrangement 440 in which a first part 450of the second connection arrangement 440 is provided on the filtercartridge 200 and a second part 460 of the second connection arrangement440 is provided on the housing assembly 102. In the example shown, thefirst part 450 is formed on the end cover 212 associated with the filtercartridge 200, and the second part 460 is provided by a connectionassembly 120 mounted to the cover 106. Other arrangements are possible.

As shown, the first part 450 of the second connection arrangement 440includes a threaded engagement feature 222 which interacts with threadsassociated with the connection assembly 120. In the particular exampleshown, the threaded engagement feature 222 is a threaded bore 222 bformed by a sidewall 222 a defining a recess 222 c in the end cover 212.In the configuration shown, the threaded bore 222 b receives a threadedstem 130 of the connector assembly 120. These features and the completeoperation of the second connection arrangement 440 are described infurther detail in a following section.

Filter Cartridge 300

As shown, the secondary filter cartridge 300 includes an open end cap302 and an closed end cap 304, between which filter media 306 extends.In one example, the end caps 302, 304 are formed from a moldedpolyurethane material.

As shown, filter media 306 is a synthetic non-pleated fabric mediaarranged into a tubular, cylindrical shape defining an interior 310 andan exterior side 312. The selection of the media and media form is amatter of choice for efficiency and usage lifetime concerns. Otherconfigurations for the filter cartridge 300 are possible withoutdeparting from the concepts presented herein. The filter media 306 canbe either pleated or non-pleated (e.g. depth media, fluted media, etc.)and can include synthetic or organic fibers, such as cellulosic fibers.The media 306 can be configured in a cylindrical pattern as shown, ifdesired, although alternatives are possible. For example, the media 306can be somewhat conical in extension between the opposite ends. Also,the media 306 can be configured with non-circular inner and/or outerperimeters; for example oval or other cross-sectional configurations arepossible. Where the media 306 is pleated, the media 306 can includecorrugations extending generally perpendicularly to the pleat tips, tofacilitate keeping the pleats open during use. Various pleat tip foldingtechniques can be used to facilitate this, as are common in the art.Examples of this can be found in media packs with the mark “PleatLoc”from Donaldson Company, Inc, of Minneapolis, Minn., the Assignee of thepresent disclosure. The media 206 may also include hot melt media tipspacers or other media spacers, if desired. Example primary filtercartridge media and end cap types and configurations usable with the airfilter cartridge 100 disclosed herein is fully shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 8,864,866, issued on Oct. 21, 2014, the entirety of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

In one aspect, a support tube 308 is provided to support the filtermedia 206. The support tube may be formed from a plastic or metalmaterial. The support tube 308 may be integrally or separately formedwith the end caps 302, 304. The support tube 308 could also beintegrally formed with the outlet 112. In the particular example shown,the support tube 308 is integrally formed with the end cap 304 and isattached to a separately formed end cap 302, such as by a plasticwelding process or an adhesive.

A seal member 314 may be provided at the location of the end cap 302. Asshown, the seal member 314 is shown as being an O-ring type sealdisposed in a channel or groove 302 a of the end cap 302. In theparticular example shown, the seal member 314 forms an outwardlydirected radial seal against an interior or inwardly facing surface 112b of a circumferential sidewall member 112 e of the outlet 112, as mosteasily seen at FIG. 7. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that theoutside diameter of the seal member 314 is greater than the insidediameter of the surface 112 b. In one variation, the seal member 314 canmolded onto the end cap 302, for example by injection molding a TPE(thermoplastic elastomer) material onto the end cap 302.

In one aspect, the end cap 304 is provided with a recess 304 a having acircumferential sidewall 304 b adjoining an end wall 304 c. The recess304 a accepts the biasing spring 220 and provides a surface at the endwall 304 c against which the spring 220 can act. As such, when both themain filter cartridge 200 and the secondary filter cartridge 300 areinstalled into the housing assembly 102, the biasing spring 220generates a biasing force in a direction D1 away from the firstconnection arrangement 400. As is discussed in more detail later, thisbiasing force operates to retain the first connection arrangement 400 ina latched position. In the example shown, the biasing spring 220 is aseparate helical metal spring. However, other configurations arepossible that provide a biasing or spring effect. For example, acompressible material or a cantilevered spring could be used.Additionally, the biasing spring or element could be integrally formedwith the end cover 212.

Other configurations for the secondary filter cartridge 300 are possiblewithout departing from the concepts presented herein. An examplesecondary filter cartridge with features usable with the air cleanerassembly 100 disclosed herein is fully shown and described in U.S. Pat.No. 8,864,866.

First Connection Arrangement 400

In use, the first connection arrangement 400 operates to secure thefilter cartridge 200 to the outlet 112 and thereby housing 104 of theair cleaner assembly 100. In one aspect, the first connectionarrangement 400 includes a first part 410 associated with the filtercartridge 200 and a second part 420 associated with the outlet 112.

As mentioned previously, the first part 410 of the first connectionarrangement 400 is formed in the filter cartridge 200, and includes aplurality of circumferentially arranged and spaced apart latch members216 and guide pins 218. In the embodiment shown, the latch members 216and guide pins 218 are integrally formed with the support tube 208. Inthe embodiment shown, six latch members 216 and six guide pins 218 areshown. However, more or fewer of each may be provided. Also, the numberof latch members 216 need not match the number of guide pins 218 in somearrangements. As most easily seen at FIG. 37, which schematically showsthe first part 410 in a flattened form, each latch member 216 isprovided with a deflectable arm portion 216 a and a latch portion 216 bextending radially inward from the deflectable arm portion 216 a. In oneaspect, a space or gap 216 c surrounds the latch member 216 along thesides and end proximate the latch portion 216 b such that the latch armportion 216 a can deflect radially outwardly (e.g. away from thelongitudinal axis x) when engaging with the second part 420 of the firstconnection arrangement 400, as is discussed in further detail below.Each latch portion 216 b is shown as being provided with a generallychevron shape with angled end surfaces 216 d, 216 e that join to form adistal end or point 216 f of the latch portion 216 b and the latchmember 216. On an opposite side of the end surfaces 216 d, 216 e, thelatch portion 216 b defines angled interior surfaces 216 g, 216 h whichjoin at an interior angle 216 i opposite the distal end 216 f While achevron shape with angled surfaces is shown, a latch portion 216 b withcurved surfaces or a plurality of pegs or other elements may also beprovided, although such configurations may be less preferable in certainconfigurations other interlocking shapes are possible. In one aspect,the surfaces 216 d, 216 e, 216 g, 218 h are disposed at an oblique anglea1 relative to the longitudinal axis X of the air cleaner assembly 100and filter cartridge 200. In the example shown, each of the surfaces 216d, 216 e, 216 g, 218 h is disposed at an angle a1 of about 65 degreesrelative to the longitudinal axis. Other angles are possible.

As most easily seen at FIG. 30, the guide pins 218 extend radiallyinward towards the longitudinal axis X of the filter cartridge 200 froma base portion 218 a to a distal portion 218 b. In one aspect, the guidepins 218 have a rounded outer surface 218 c and cross-sectional shape,such as a cylindrical outer surface and circular cross-sectional shape.Other shapes are possible. In one aspect, the guide pins 218 extend fromthe support tube 208 at an oblique angle to the interior surface of thesupport tube 208, for example at an angle a2 relative to a line cuttingthrough the center of the base 218 a of the guide pin 218 and throughthe longitudinal axis X of the filter cartridge 200. In the exampleshown, the angle a2 is about 7 degrees. Other angles are possible.

The second part 420 of the first connection arrangement 400 is shown asbeing provided on the outlet tube 112. As shown, the second part 420includes a plurality of catch or latch structures 113 and a guidechannel structure 115. As will be explained in further detail below, thecatch structures 113 interact with the latch members 216 to secure thefilter cartridge 200 in a latched position while the guide channelstructures 115 interact with the guide pins 218 to guide the latchmembers 216 into and out of being latched with the catch structures 113.

As shown, each catch structure 113 is shown as extending from a base end113 a towards a distal end 113 b and define a top surface 113 c. As thecatch structure 113 extends from the base end 113 a towards the distalend 113 b, the thickness of the catch structure 113 increases such thata ramped surface with a ledge or catch surface is defined. In theembodiment shown, the catch surface is defined by a pair of angledsurfaces 113 d, 113 e that merge at the distal end 113 b to form ageneral chevron shape that is complementary to the surfaces 216 h, 216 gon the first part 410 of the first connection arrangement 400. While achevron shape is shown for surfaces 216 h, 216 g, the surfaces 216 h,216 g could be provided with a curved surface so long as the surface onthe catch structure 113 is complementarily shaped with the correspondingsurface on the latch members 216.

The channel structure 115 interacts with the guide pins 218 such thatthe latch members 216 can be aligned with the catch structures 113 toachieve the latched position described above. In one aspect, the channelstructure 115 includes a plurality of first sidewalls 115 a havingfirst, second, third, fourth, and fifth sidewall members 115 b, 115 c,115 d, 115 e, 115 f which meet at bend locations or junction points 115g, 115 h, 115 i, 115 j, 115 k. In one aspect, each first sidewall 115 aencircles a latch structure 113. The channel structure 115 furtherincludes a circumferential sidewall 115 m with repeating segments 115 n,115 p, 115 q which meet at bend locations or junction points 115 r, 115s, 115 t. In one aspect, segments 115 f and 115 n are generally parallelto each other, segments 115 e and 115 r are generally parallel to eachother, and segments 115 d and 115 q are generally parallel to each othersuch that a generally constant width channel 115 u is formed between thesidewalls 115 a and 114 m. The channel 115 u is further defined by thespace between adjacent sidewalls 115 a (i.e. distance between junctions115 h and 115 k). The channel 115 u defines the pathway within which theguide pins 218 travel.

As most easily seen at FIGS. 73 to 76, the filter cartridge 200 is movedfrom the unlatched position to the latched position by first moving thefilter cartridge 200 in the insertion direction D2 such that the guidepins 218 are moved towards the sidewalls 115 a. As can be seen at FIG.73, the guide pin 218 can initially contact either the segment 115 b orthe segment 115 c. Both of the segments 115 b and 115 c slope away fromthe rounded distal junction point 115 g and towards a channel 115 u.Accordingly, if the guide pins 218 initially contact the junction point115 g, the contact force in the direction D2 will cause the guide pins218 to rotate (and thus the entire filter cartridge 200) to either theleft side onto segment 115 b (as shown in FIG. 73) or to the right sideonto segment 115 c. As long as an insertion force is being applied tothe filter cartridge 200, the guide pins 218 will continue to ride downthe segments 115 b or 115 c until the guide pins 218 drop into theportion of the channel 115 u defined between the sidewalls 115 f and 115n. Where the guide pins 218 happen to already align with the channel 115u between the sidewalls 114 f and 115 n, the filter cartridge 200 willsimply drop into the position shown at FIG. 76. This insertion sequenceis shown sequentially at FIGS. 74 to 76 with the pathway P1 of insertionfor the guide pins 218 being shown at FIG. 73. Thus, it should beappreciated that the filter cartridge 200 will automatically be rotatedinto the desired position by the interaction between the guide pins 218and the sidewalls 115 such that the filter cartridge 200 can beinstalled into the latched position regardless of the initial rotationalalignment of the filter cartridge 200 with respect to the outlet tube112 and air cleaner assembly 100.

As the filter cartridge 200 is being installed over the outlet tube 112in the above described manner, the latch members 216 on the filtercartridge 200 are being rotationally aligned with the catch structures113 on the outlet tube 112, as is also illustrated at FIGS. 73 to 76. Asthe guide pins 218 travel into the channel 115 u, the latch portions 216b of the latch members 216 ride laterally and axially across the topsurface 113 c of the catch structures 113. With this interaction, thearm portions 216 a deflect away from the longitudinal axis X until thelatch members 216 move beyond the top surface 113 c. At the point wherethe guide pins reach the junction 115 r between sidewall segment 115 nand 115 p, the latch portions 216 b snap over the catch structures 113such that the arm portions 216 a return to their relaxed or restingstate. Once the filter cartridge 200 is in this position and released bythe operator, the biasing spring 220 forces the filter cartridge 200 tomove towards the direction D1 such that the interior surfaces 216 g, 216h of the latch portions 216 b engage and are forced against surfaces 113d, 113 e to hold the filter cartridge 200 in a locked or securedposition, as is shown at FIG. 76.

Referring to FIGS. 77 to 80, the removal sequence of the filtercartridge 200 is shown whereby the filter cartridge 200 can be returnedto an unlocked or unlatched position from the locked or latched positionvia pathway P2. To unlatch the filter cartridge 200, the operatorgenerates a pushing force in the direction D1 onto the filter cartridge200 which will cause the filter cartridge 200 to move further towardsthe inlet tube 112. This pushing force will also cause the guide pins218 to be guided into the portion of the channel 115 u defined betweenthe sidewall segments 115 e and 115 b and ultimately to the junctionpoint 115 s between sidewall segments 115 r and 115 q, as shown at FIG.79. Thus, it should be appreciated that the filter cartridge 200 hasbeen rotated between the position shown at FIGS. 78 and 79. As mosteasily seen at FIG. 79, the junction point 115 s is laterally offsetfrom the junction point 115 i such that when the operator releases thefilter cartridge 200, the guide pins 218 will be received between thesidewall segments 115 d and 115 q as the biasing spring 220 forces thefilter cartridge 200 in the direction D1. As can also be seen at FIG.79, the latch members 216 are moved axially out of engagement with thecatch structures 113 and are rotated away from the latch structures 113such that the latch members 216 are located between the latch structures113. Once this position is reached, the latch members 216 no longerretain the filter cartridge to the outlet tube 112.

From the position shown at FIG. 79, the biasing spring 220 will continueto cause the filter cartridge 200 to move in the direction D1 with thecartridge 200 rotating further due to the guide pins 218 travelling inthe channel 115 u between the sidewall segments 115 d and 115 q andultimately to the portion of the channel defined between the sidewalls115 a, as shown at FIG. 80. As this rotation occurs, contact between thelatch members 216 and laterally adjacent catch structures 113 isprevented or reduced due to the top surfaces 113 c being configured assloped or ramped surfaces that increase the clearance between the latchportions 216 b and the top surfaces 113 c in the direction D1. In theposition shown at FIG. 80, the filter cartridge 200 can be removed fromthe air cleaner assembly 100 by pulling the cartridge axially in thedirection D1.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the filtercartridge 100 can be inserted into the air cleaner assembly 100 andplaced into a latched position with a simple pushing motion (i.e.direction D2) by the operator and can likewise be moved to an unlatchedposition with the same simple pushing motion. As is described in furtherdetail below, the second connection arrangement 440 can be provided toplace the filter cartridge 200 into a locked position after the filtercartridge has been placed into the latched position, and to secure thecover 106 to the housing body 104.

Second Connection Arrangement 440

The second connection arrangement 440 operates to secure the filtercartridge 200 to the cover 106 of the air cleaner housing assembly 102and includes a first part 450 associated with the filter cartridge 200and a second part 460 associated with the cover 106. As previouslydescribed, the first part 450 of the second connection arrangement 440is formed by the threaded arrangement 222 provided in the end cover 212of the filter cartridge 200. A connection arrangement 120, describedbelow, functions as the second part 460 of the second connectionarrangement 450.

Referring to FIGS. 44 to 72 aspects of, the connection arrangement 120is shown in further detail. In one aspect, the connection arrangement120 is rotatably secured to the housing assembly cover 106 and therebyoperates to place a tension upon and secure the filter cartridge 200 tothe cover 106. As the filter cartridge 200 is secured to the housingbody 104 at the opposite end by the first connection arrangement 400,the tensile force generated through the filter cartridge 200 operates tosecure the housing body 104 to the cover 106. As such, the combinedfeatures of the disclosed air cleaner assembly 100 require that anappropriate filter cartridge be installed within the housing assembly102 in order for the cover 106 to be secured to the housing body 104,thus preventing the installation of an incorrect filter and preventingthe cover 106 being secured to the housing body 104 without any filtercartridge being installed.

In one aspect, the connection arrangement 120 includes a handle or knob122, a first gear member 124, a second gear member 126, an actuatormember 128, and a threaded stem 130. As can be seen at FIG. 50, each ofthese components is separately formed and can therefore be formed fromthe same or different materials. In one example, the stem 130 is a metalcomponent and the remaining components are plastic type components, forexample nylon components. Due to the complexity of each individual part,it can be advantageous to form each independently, such as by aninjection molding process. However, alternative arrangements arepossible. For example, the actuator member 128 and the threaded stem 130could be formed as a singular component. Similarly, the second gearmember 126 could be integrally formed with the actuator member 128. Thehandle 122 and first gear member 124 could also be formed as a singularcomponent. It is also possible to utilize a unitary formed componentwith the actuator member and stem formed together in such aconfiguration, the torque omitting features described herein would belost.

Referring to FIGS. 51 to 55, the handle 122 is shown in further detail.In one aspect, the handle 122 includes a main body 122 a defining asidewall 122 b extending from an end wall 122 c having a centralaperture 122 d. The handle 122 can further include an interior sidewall122 e circumscribing the central aperture 122 d. As shown, the interiorsidewall includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged engagementfeatures 122 f that interact with correspondingly shaped engagementfeatures 124 d on the first gear member 124 such that rotation of thehandle 122 imparts a rotational force onto the first gear member 124. Inthe particular embodiment shown, engagement features 122 f and 124 d arerespectively provided as complementarily shaped protrusions andrecesses, such as rounded wedge-shaped protrusions and scallop-shapedrecesses. Other shapes are possible. The main body 122 a may also beprovided with ribs 122 g or other gripping-type features to aid inproviding a grasping surface for the user to impart a rotational forceonto the handle 122. The main body could also be shaped to be operatedby a tool, such as a wrench.

Referring to FIGS. 56 to 59, the first gear member 124 is shown infurther detail. In one aspect, the first gear member includes a mainbody 124 a defining a sidewall 124 b and an end wall 124 c. Thepreviously discussed engagement features 124 d are circumferentiallydisposed on an outer portion or circumference of the sidewall 124 b.When the first gear member 124 in inserted into the handle 122, theengagement features 122 f, 124 d become engaged and the end wall 124 cfills and covers the central aperture 122 d. As most easily seen at FIG.59, the first gear member 124 is further provided with a plurality offirst ratchet members 124 e. As shown, each ratchet member 124 e isprovided with a base portion 124 f extending inwardly from the sidewall124 b and a nose portion 124 g extending towards a distal end 124 h. Thenose portion 124 g is disposed at a right or oblique angle to the baseportion 124 f to give the first ratchet members 124 e a generallyL-shape with a rounded root portion 124 i formed at the interior bendportion. In one aspect, the base portion 124 f and nose portion 124 gform a relatively smooth or curved outer perimeter surface 124 j. Thefirst gear member 124 is also shown as being provided with a channelstructure 124 k for receiving protrusions 126 e on the second gearmember 126 such that a guiding and sliding surface for the second gearmember 126 is provided.

Referring to FIGS. 60 to 63, the second gear member 126 is shown infurther detail. In one aspect, the second gear member 126 includes amain body 126 a defined by a sidewall 126 b and an end wall 126 c withthe end wall 126 c defining a central aperture 126 d. The aforementionedprotrusions 126 e are shown as being provided on the end wall in acircular pattern such that they can be received into the channelstructure 124 k of the first gear member 124. The second gear member 126is further provided with a plurality of second ratchet members 126 fconfigured for engaging with the first ratchet members 124 e of thefirst gear member 124. As shown, the second ratchet members 126 f extendfrom a base end 126 g to a distal end 126 h and are provided with acurved or arc shape with an inner curved surface 126 ih and an outercurved surface 126 j. In one aspect, the second ratchet members 126 fare deflectable in an inward direction towards the center of the secondgear member main body 126 a and in an outward direction away from thecenter of the second gear member main body 126 a.

In one aspect, the second gear member 126 is also provided with anengagement arrangement 126 k which receives a corresponding engagementarrangement 128 e of the actuator member 128. In the particularembodiment shown, the engagement arrangements 126 k, 128 e arecorrespondingly shaped and have a projection-receiver shape that locksthe components together to prevent relative rotation between them. Theengagement arrangements 126 k, 128 e can be provided with a variety ofshapes and geometries to suit this purpose and may be provided withsimple geometric shapes and/or gear or spline shapes.

When the second gear member 126 is received by the first gear member124, which can be seen most easily at FIG. 49, the first ratchet members124 e engage with the second ratchet members 126 f of the second gearmember 126. Through this interaction, rotation of the handle 122 canimpart a rotational torque onto the second gear member 126, as isdescribed in further detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 64 to 68, the actuator member 128 is shown infurther detail. In one aspect, the actuator member 128 is provided witha main body 128 a defining a cylindrical sidewall receiver portion 128b, a flange portion 128 c adjoining the receiver portion, an outersidewall 128 d extending from the flange portion 128 c, and theaforementioned engagement arrangement 128 e which also extends from thesidewall 128 d. A plurality of radially extending ribs 128 f may also beprovided to increase the stiffness or strength of the sidewall 128 d.

In one aspect, a central aperture 128 g extends through the receiverportion 128 b into which the threaded stem 130 can be received. Thethreaded stem 130 is provided with a stem portion 130 b having across-sectional shape that matches that of the central aperture 128 g.As such, the central aperture 128 g and stem portion 130 b arecorrespondingly shaped and have a projection-receiver shape that locksthe components together to prevent relative rotation between them. Thestem portion 130 b and central aperture 128 g can be provided with avariety of shapes and geometries to suit this purpose and may beprovided with simple geometric shapes and/or gear or spline shapes. Inthe example shown, the central aperture 128 g is provided with a femalehexagonal shape and the stem portion 130 b is provided with a malehexagonal shape. The male hexagonal shape of the stem portion 130 b, andother polygonal shapes, is advantageous in the event that the actuatormember 128 fails in that the actuator member 128 can be removed and atool, such as a wrench, can be engaged with the stem portion 130 b torotate the stem portion 130 b. As noted previously, the threaded stem130 and actuator member 128 could be provided a single, unitarycomponent. The threaded stem 130 could also be configured to have arecess that receives a correspondingly shaped projection on the actuatormember 128.

Referring to FIGS. 69 to 72, the threaded stem 130 is shown in furtherdetail. In one aspect, the threaded stem 130 is provided with a mainbody 130 a having a stem portion 130 b, a radial flange portion 130 c,and a threaded portion 130 d. The radial flange portion 130 c separatesthe stem portion 130 b form the threaded portion 130 d. The radialflange portion 130 c abuts the end of the receiver portion 128 b oncethe threaded stem 130 is fully inserted into the central aperture 128 g.In one aspect, the radial flange portion 130 c extends radially beyondthe receiver portion 128 b of the actuator member 128. The threadedportion 130 d may be provided with a tapered distal portion 130 e to aidin guiding the threaded portion 130 d into the threaded bore 222 b ofthe threaded engagement feature 222.

In one aspect, the connection arrangement 120 can be assembled such thatthe actuator member 128 extends through and is received by the centralopening 106 e in the cover 106 whereby a circumferential rib 128 h ridesalong the distal end wall defined in the cover 106 in a low-frictionmanner and the latch members 106 d capture the flange 130 c of thethreaded stem 130 to prevent the connection arrangement from beingremoved from the cover 106. As the latch members 106 d are deflectable,a fully assembled connection arrangement 120 can be inserted through thecentral opening 106 e such that the latch members 106 d deflect andultimately snap over the flange portion 130 c to provide a snap-fitconnection between the cover 106 and the connection arrangement 120. Ascan be seen at FIG. 71, the flange portion 130 c may be provided with atapered face such that the latch members 106 d can more easily slidepast the flange portion 130 c during insertion.

In operation, when the handle 122 is rotated in a first direction R1(i.e. counterclockwise), the nose portions 124 h guide and deflect thesecond ratchet members 126 f in an outward direction such that thedistal ends 126 h of the second ratchet members 126 f ride against theinside surface of the first ratchet members 124 e until the distal ends126 h are captured into the root portions 124 i of the first ratchetmembers 124. Once this position is achieved, the second ratchet members126 f can no longer deflect and any torque applied to the handle 122 inthe first direction R1 is imparted onto the second gear member 126. Asis described below, the actuation member 128 and the threaded stem 130are rigidly attached to the second gear member 124 such that rotation ofthe handle 122 in the first direction R1 will cause the threaded stem130 to also rotate in the first direction R1 to unthread the threadedstem 130 from the threaded bore 222 b of the threaded engagement feature222.

When the handle 122 is rotated in a second direction R2 (i.e.clockwise), the curved outer surface 124 j of the first ratchet members124 e engaged against the outer curved surface 126 j of the secondratchet members 126 f. Accordingly, as the handle 122 is rotated in thisdirection, the threaded stem 130 is also rotated in the second directionR2 to thread the threaded stem 130 into the threaded bore 222 b of thethreaded engagement feature 222. As the threaded stem 130 is threaded inthis manner, the filter cartridge 200 is drawn towards the connectionarrangement 120 (i.e. the second connection arrangement 440) and awayfrom the first connection arrangement 460 to place the filter cartridge200 in tension. As is described in other portions of this disclosure,this tensile action operates to secure the filter cartridge 200 againstthe second connection arrangement 440 in a locked position and alsooperates to secure the cover 106 to the housing body 104.

As the second ratchet members 126 f are deflectable, the torque appliedto the handle 122 in the direction R2 will eventually generate asufficient force such that the curved outer surface 124 j of the firstratchet members 124 e will act against the curved surface 126 j of thesecond ratchet members 126 f to cause the second ratchet members 126 fto deflect inwardly and ride past the first ratchet members and generatean audible clicking sound. Once this occurs, the second ratchet members126 f will deflect back to their resting or relaxed positions and engageagainst the adjacent first ratchet members 124 e. If torque continues tobe applied to the handle 122, the tactile feedback of the slippingmotion and the related audible sound generation will continue to alertan operator that the maximum tightening torque of the connectionarrangement 120 has been achieved. With such a construction, theconnection arrangement 120 cannot be tightened past a predeterminedtorque setting, thereby preventing a user from over-tightening theassembly and potentially damaging components of the air cleaner. Assuch, the connection arrangement 120 can be characterized as having atorque-limiting feature.

In the example shown, the first and second ratchet members 124 e, 126 fare designed with a material type, shape, thickness, and geometry toprovide the predetermined maximum tightening torque setting. The designof the first and second ratchet members 124 e, 126 f may be modified toachieve various torque settings without departing from the conceptspresented herein. Furthermore, differently configured gear members 126may be placed in the connection arrangement 120 such that a desiredtorque setting is achieved.

In some examples, the torque setting is a function of the desiredtensile force the filter cartridge 200 is placed under by the connectionarrangement 120. In some examples, the tensile force is sufficient toresist movement of an element with a given maximum loaded weight plusthe cover weight accelerated at 10 g in the long axis. Accordingly, thetensile force can be a function of, among other things, theconfiguration, size, and mass of the filter cartridge 200. In someexamples, the tensile force is between 0.75 kilograms and 95 kilograms.The torque setting is thus a setting that will enable the desired orpredetermined tensile force to be achieved before slipping occurs suchthat an operator is ensured that the cartridge has been appropriatelysecured by the tactile and audible feedback of the slipping action. Inview of the above, in some examples, the torque setting can becharacterized as both a minimum torque setting that ensures that theminimum or required tensile load is placed on the filter cartridge 200and as a maximum torque setting that ensures that the connectionarrangement 120 is not tightened to a point where breakage or failuremight occur. In some examples, for example on high torque applications,the diameter and/or shape of the handle or knob 122, and/or the threads130 d/222 b can be sized and configured such that an operator canachieve the torque setting defined by the required tensile force withoutthe use of tools and unreasonable force. For example, the handle or knob122 can be provided with a relatively larger diameter for higher forceapplications. Likewise, the threads 130 d/222 b can be provided at afiner pitch for higher force applications.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the connectionarrangement 120 can be rotated in the first direction R1 with nopre-determined torque limitation placed on the arrangement while onlybeing able to be rotated in the second direction R2 up to apredetermined torque setting. In one aspect, the components of theconnection arrangement can be formed from a polymeric material. Othermaterials are possible.

Air Cleaner Assembly 100′

Referring to FIGS. 81 to 89, a second example air cleaner assembly 100′with an air filter cartridge 200′ and an optional secondary air filtercartridge 300 or tower 500 is shown. The air cleaner 100′ primarilydiffers in that the air filter cartridge 200′ is provided as a“stand-alone” element and is constructed in such a way that an externalhousing is not needed. The air cleaner assembly 100′ is similar to aircleaner assembly 100 in that same first connection arrangement 400 isprovided for the air cleaner assembly 100′. Accordingly, the outlet 112′of the air cleaner assembly 100′ is provided with a second portion 420of a first connection arrangement 400 that cooperatively operates with afirst portion 410 of the first connection arrangement 400 provided onthe filter cartridge 200′ to secure the filter cartridge 200′ to theoutlet 112′, as previously described. Accordingly, the features of thefirst connection arrangement 400 of the air cleaner assembly 100′ neednot be repeated in this section. Also, the relevant features of theoutlet tube 112′ are generally the same as that already shown anddescribed for the outlet tube 112. Accordingly, the overlapping featuresof the outlet tube 112′ and 112 need not be repeated in this section. Asthe filter cartridge 200′ is provided as a stand-alone element in whichno external housing is provided, the filter cartridge 200′ does notincorporate the second connection arrangement 440 described for the airfilter cartridge 200.

As most easily seen at FIG. 89, the air filter cartridge 200′ includes afirst end cap 202′ and a second end cap 204′, between which filter media206′ extends. In one example, the end caps 202′, 204′ are formed from amolded polymeric material. A support tube 208′, which may formed from aplastic or metal material, is provided at an interior side 206 a′ of themedia 206′ to support the media 206′. The filter media 206′ can beprovided in any of the forms, materials, and configurations as alreadydescribed for filter media 206 and need not be repeated in this section.

In the example shown, an end cover 210′ is provided at the first end cap202′ while an end cover 212′ is provided at the second end cap 204′. Thesupport tube 208′, end caps 202′, 212′, and end covers 210′, 212′ aregenerally configured similarly to the corresponding components of thefilter cartridge 200. Accordingly, these features need not be describedagain in this section. However, in contrast to the filter cartridge 200,the filter cartridge 200′ is provided with additional end covers 211′and 213′ which are respectively mounted to the end covers 210′, 212′.The filter cartridge 200′ is also provided with an outer shell 215′extending between the end covers 211′, 213′ to define an interior volume217′ within which the media 206′ is housed. Each of the end covers 211′,213′ is provided with a plurality of openings 211 a′, 213 a′,respectively. In operation, unfiltered ambient air flows into andthrough the openings 211 a′, 213 a′, into the interior volume 217′,through the filter media 206′, and through the outlet tube 112′.

As previously mentioned, and as most easily seen at FIGS. 84 and 86, theair cleaner assembly 100′ can further include the previously describedsafety filter cartridge 300 and biasing spring 220. The biasing spring220 can be provided as a loose component, mounted to the end cover 204′of the filter cartridge 200′, or can be mounted within the recessdefined within the safety filter cartridge 300. The interaction betweenthe biasing spring 220, air filter cartridge 200′, and air filtercartridge 300 is the same as previously described for the embodimentincluding the biasing spring 220 and air filter cartridges 200, 300.

Instead of a safety filter cartridge 300, the air cleaner assembly 100′can alternatively include a tower 500, as shown at FIGS. 85, and 88. Thetower 500 can be provided when a safety filter cartridge is not desiredwhile still providing a support structure for the biasing spring 220.Thus, the tower 500 enables the filter cartridge 200′ to still be biasedaway from the first connection arrangement 400 by operation of thespring 220 even though a safety filter cartridge is not present.

In one aspect, the tower 500 includes first and second end caps 502, 504between which a support structure 508 extends. As shown, the supportstructure 508 has an X-shaped or cross-shaped cross-sectional shape,thereby allowing air to flow relatively unobstructed along the length ofthe support structure 508. Other shapes are possible. For example, thesupport structure 508 could be formed as a central post or as a supporttube with a sidewall having a plurality of openings. The supportstructure 508 may be formed from a plastic or metal material. Thesupport structure 508 may be integrally or separately formed with theend caps 502, 504 and or integrally or separately formed with the outlet210. In the particular example shown, the support structure 508 isintegrally formed with the end cap 504 and is attached to a separatelyformed end cap 502, such as by a plastic welding process or an adhesive.In the example shown, the end cap 502 is provided with a seal member 514and is generally configured the same as the end cap 302 provided for thesafety filter cartridge 300, and need not be further described here.Likewise, the end cap 504 is generally configured the same as the endcap 304 provided for the safety filter cartridge 300, and need not befurther described here.

Referring to FIGS. 90 and 91, the air cleaner assembly 100′ is shown asincluding an optional connection arrangement 120′. The connectionarrangement 120′ is similar to the connection arrangement 120 and thedescription for the various components that are similar need not berepeated here. As the air cleaner assembly 100′ does not include aseparate housing, the threaded engagement feature 222′ provided in thecover 212′ has an open end such that the distal portion 130 e′ of thethreaded stem 130′ can extend through the open end and contact the endwall 304 c′. As the threaded stem 130′ is engaged with the end cover212′ by tightening the connector assembly 120′, the resulting contactbetween the distal portion 130 e′ and the end wall 304 c′ places thefilter cartridge 200′ in tension against the first connectionarrangement 400 to more securely retain the filter cartridge 200′ in thesame general manner as already described for the operation of theconnector assembly 120. As the threaded engagement feature 222′ has anopen end extending into the clean side of the filter cartridge 200′, aseal 131′ can be provided that forms a seal between the threadedengagement feature 222′ and the distal portion 130 e′. In the exampleshown, the seal 131′ is an O-ring type seal. Other types of seals arepossible.

Referring to FIG. 92, a variation of the air cleaner assembly 100′ isshown in which the outer shell 215′ is not provided and the outerperimeter of the media 206′ is exposed. In such an embodiment, endcovers 211′, 213′ having apertures is not necessary. In the exampleshown, the air cleaner assembly 100′ shown at FIG. 92 includes an outerliner 215″, which is shown in this example as being an expanded metalliner.

The principles described herein can be applied in a variety of filterassemblies. Examples described in which the principles applied to (air)gas filter assemblies. Examples are described include air filters andcrankcase ventilation filter assemblies. The principles can be appliedto a variety of alternate gas filtration arrangements, in some instanceseven with liquid filter assemblies.

Again, the principles, techniques, and features described herein can beapplied in a variety of systems, and there is no requirement that all ofthe advantageous features identified be incorporated in an assembly,system or component to obtain some benefit according to the presentdisclosure.

1. A filter cartridge comprising: a) a filtration media arrangementextending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a secondend; b) a support operatively coupled to the filtration mediaarrangement; and c) a first part of a connection arrangement forconnecting the filter cartridge to a structure including a second partof the connection arrangement, the first part being at least partiallydefined by the support and including a plurality of spaced apart,circumferentially arranged latches, the latches being deflectable in adirection toward or away from the longitudinal axis.
 2. The filtercartridge of claim 1, wherein the filtration media arrangement definesan interior volume and the support is a support tube extending into theinterior volume.
 3. The filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein the latchesare located at least partially within the interior volume.
 4. The filtercartridge of claim 2, wherein the plurality of latches are entirelylocated within the interior volume.
 5. The filter cartridge of claim 1,wherein the plurality of latches each include a latch arm and a latchportion extending from the latch arm.
 6. The filter cartridge of claim1, wherein the plurality of latches are integrally formed in the supportstructure.
 7. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the plurality oflatches are located proximate an open first end cap located at thefiltration media arrangement first end.
 8. The filter cartridge of claim1, wherein the filter cartridge further includes a guide pin foraligning the plurality of latches with the second part of the connectionarrangement.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The filter cartridge of claim 8, whereinthe guide pin is integrally formed in a support tube of the filtercartridge.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The filter cartridge of claim 1, furtherincluding: a) a biasing spring for biasing the filter cartridge in afirst direction opposite an insertion direction of the filter cartridge.13. The filter cartridge of claim 12, wherein the biasing spring islocated proximate a second end cap located at the filtration mediaarrangement second end.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The filter cartridge of claim1, wherein the filtration media arrangement is an air filtration media.16.-46. (canceled)
 47. An air cleaner assembly comprising: a) a housingincluding a housing body and a housing cover, the housing body and coverdefining an interior volume; b) an air filter cartridge disposed withinthe housing; c) a first connection arrangement securing the air filtercartridge to the housing body; and d) a second connection arrangementsecuring the air filter cartridge to the housing cover such that thehousing body and housing cover are secured together, the secondconnection arrangement including a handle rotatably secured to thehousing cover, wherein rotation of the handle in a first directionsecures the air filter cartridge to the housing cover and rotation ofthe handle in a second direction disconnects the air filter cartridgefrom the housing cover.
 48. The air cleaner assembly of claim 47,wherein the air filter cartridge includes a first end cap with a firstpart of the second connection arrangement that engages with a secondpart of the second connection arrangement associated with the handle.49. The air cleaner assembly of claim 48, wherein the first part of thesecond connection arrangement includes internal threads and the secondpart of the second connection arrangement includes external threads. 50.The air cleaner assembly of claim 48, wherein the first end cap is aclosed end cap.
 51. The air cleaner assembly of claim 48, wherein thefirst part of the second connection arrangement is integrally moldedwith the first end cap.
 52. The air cleaner assembly of claim 48,wherein the handle includes a torque-limiting mechanism. 53.-90.(canceled)
 91. A method for installing a filter cartridge into an aircleaner assembly housing, the method comprising: a) providing a filtercartridge including a filter media extending along a longitudinal axisand extending between a first open end cap and a second closed end cap,the filter cartridge including a first part of a first connectionarrangement located proximate the first open end cap; b) inserting thefilter cartridge, in an axial insertion direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis, into the air cleaner assembly housing such that thefirst open end cap is introduced into the housing before the secondclosed end cap and such that a biasing force is exerted on the filtercartridge in a direction opposite the axial insertion direction; and c)pushing the filter cartridge, in a first instance, in the insertiondirection and against a biasing force until the first part of the firstconnection arrangement engages with a second part of the firstconnection arrangement, the second part being associated with the aircleaner assembly housing.
 92. A method for installing and removing afilter cartridge into an air cleaner assembly housing, the methodcomprising: d) the method of claim 91; e) pushing the filter cartridge,in a second instance, in the insertion direction and against the biasingforce until the first part disengages with the second part of theconnection arrangement; and f) removing the filter cartridge from theair cleaner assembly housing.